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YOU ME AT SIX
+ Set It Off
+ Between You And Me
@ Forum Melbourne
16th July 2023
(Live Review)

Review by Stephanie Tang

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You Me At Six / Photo – Michael Gow (Alchemi Glow Photography)

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A very special show is happening tonight at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre. Godfathers of emo rock You Me at Six have finally returned to Australian waters, and they’ve brought deviant pop rockers Set It Off with them. Rounding out the bill tonight, and opening the show are hometown favourites Between You and Me. The last show of the Australian Truth Decay tour, there’s bound to be theatrics tonight.

No fuss, no filler Between You and Me jump straight in, launching into high energy hits from their latest album “Armageddon”. Throwing it back to an oldie “Overthinking” the crowd is hyped, and there is clearly a tight knit mosh who came just to see them. Having opened for Slowly Slowly just two months earlier in the same venue, Between You and Me are veterans now at commanding the huge stage. Crowd favourite “Butterflies” has nearly everyone jumping and clearly this is a favourite for the band to perform too.

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Between You & Me / Photo – Michael Gow (Alchemi Glow Photography)

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Usually, first band of the night draws a modest crowd. Tonight, the entire floor, and most of the upper half are already filled, so the stakes are high. It’s interesting to hear Wilson change up the harmonies in “Go To Hell”, as this song has such beautiful lyricism. Though it seems the band are getting a little tired. There were some words lost to the backing track, which detracted from the up till now strong performance. Nevertheless, the guys take it in good stride, and share some cheeky banter with the crowd to catch their breath. Much needed as they gear up for “Deadbeat”. Those familiar with this track live, wait with bated breath for the magic words, to split the room. That’s right the infamous wall of death party, a victory cry for all deadbeats and fun.

Set It Off have been a band for over ten years, yet this is only their second time in Australia. Judging by the excited chatter and cheers as their banner drops, this is a monumental night for fans. From the moment the first member walked onto stage, Set It Off show they are not here tonight just to support. This set is their time, their show and class is in session.

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Set It Off / Photo – Michael Gow (Alchemi Glow Photography)

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Their soaring vocals, searing guitar solos and stylish trap beats combining into a cacophonic pop rock symphony, has the room in exhilaration. Carson has immense vocal prowess, not a note out of tune, and no instruments a beat out of time with minimal breaks between songs. Despite its intensity and conviction, starting song “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” was really just the start. Spitting words at uncountable miles per minute, and even crowd surfing, Carson is a true performer who practices his craft.

Eerie blue green lasers shine into the crowd, as spiky drums beats punctuated by warbling synths in “Loose Cannons” give the room a deliciously evil atmosphere. Set It Off bring mastermind villain vibes so well, effortlessly commanding the crowd to take small jumps left then right. Seriously let’s just throw zombie arms now. Unbelievably Carson and Danziger switch places for “Hypnotized”, with Danziger displaying impressive rap and vocal abilities. It’s unheard of for a drummer to take centre stage and sing, this impressive performance had the crowd gobsmacked. No wonder they decided to take a leap and go independent in 2023. It seemed fitting to close with “Punching Bag”, their first independently released single, which is delectably venomous.

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Set It Off / Photo – Michael Gow (Alchemi Glow Photography)

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Incredibly the main is still to be served. A crimson banner with a burning 6 emerges onto stage as tendrils of smoke snake across the room, illuminated by slow blinking red lights. To an eruption of cheers and shouts You Me At Six take the stage. Looking dapper in matching black blazers, they confidently kick into “Deep Cuts” a powerful opening song. In the last few albums, the band have successfully combined elements of pop, rock, dance and hard- core which translates extremely well into a live program. Depending on the song a rotation of heavy moshers, dance trace aficionados and pop punk kids emerge in a cluster. It’s a beautiful thing at rock shows. It’s not science, but somehow when you’re attuned to the music the crowd collectively just knows to either instigate a mosh or circle pit.

Displaying their status as veterans of the punk rock scene the band played a huge hour and half long set list. Spanning all albums, tracks “Stay With Me” to “Bite My Tongue”, “Fresh Start Fever”, “Take On The World” and “No Future? Yea Right” all made an appearance. The crowd was feeding off a fireball of energy and visceral emotion. Looking around all attention was on the stage.

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You Me At Six / Photo – Michael Gow (Alchemi Glow Photography)

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Franceschi teasingly asks the crowd if they want one more song, maybe three. The pinnacle of the evening “Underdog” is received with arms outstretched, voices hoarse and ecstatic nostalgia. A huge hit then and now, the elder emo is alive and well on this Sunday night. Ears have been blessed but there is more, gritty guitar chords float over the buzzing crowd another old-time favourite “Reckless”. The frontman tells the crowd to put their arms in the air, if he told them to jump, surely they would’ve yelled back “how high?”.

The band’s enthusiasm and passion for not only creating music but performing, sharing with fans was infinite. Every minute, every song was an opportunity that You Me At Six used to connect with their audience. In response the crowd’s liveliness didn’t waver the entire night. So many crowd favourites have been played what would they finish with? Perhaps one from the relics? No this is the Truth Decay tour, and this is a band that continues to modernise their sound. Explosively intense with red beams shattering everywhere “Beautiful Way” was how the night was closed.

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You Me At Six / Photo – Michael Gow (Alchemi Glow Photography)

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Check out Michael Gow’s full gallery of this event HERE

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Follow YOU ME AT SIX
Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

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You Me At Six / Photo – Michael Gow (Alchemi Glow Photography)

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Press Release 30th May 2023 (below) HERE

YOU ME AT SIX
add special guests
BETWEEN YOU & ME
to
TRUTH DECAY
Australian Tour
with
SET IT OFF

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AMNPLIFY – DB